NIOM scientists at the Norwegian Dental Association Convention.
Scientist at NIOM in collaboration with scientists from the University of Oslo, contributed
with lectures at the annual Norwegian Dental Association Convention.

Daily use of antimicrobials?

Håkon Valen

Antimicrobials for control of biofilm.

Senor scientist

In the session “Chemical control and eradication of dental biofilm”, senior scientist Håkon Valen and professor emeritus Anne Aamdal Scheie from the University of Oslo stated that antimicrobials for daily prevention of dental biofilm-associated diseases should be limited and used only when mechanical cleaning and change in patient behavior is insufficient for disease control. There is considerable research activity to discover new compounds in order to eradicate, control or prevent formation of dental biofilms.

Antimicrobial compounds are incorporated into dental materials for the purpose of reduction of biofilm formation.

Antimicrobials may also be used by patients on a daily basis for prevention of dental
biofilm-associated diseases. The rationale for such use of antimicrobials is that mechanical biofilm control is inadequate to prevent the development or progression of dental diseases.

Daily use of antimicrobial substances may increase the selective pressure for resistance
against the active substances and may lead to cross and co – resistance to other antimicrobial and antibiotic substances.

Clinical implication: Antimicrobials for daily prevention of dental biofilm-associated diseases should only be advised when mechanical cleaning and change in patient behavior is insufficient for disease control.